Sympatex Technologies, a pioneer for high-tech functional materials in clothing, footwear, accessories and technical fields of application since 1986 has announced that it has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC). The ecological alternative among functional textile specialists will use the group’s sustainability measurement tool, the Higg Index, to drive environmental responsibility across its supply chain, the German company said in a statement.
With its membership in the SAC, Sympatex joins more than 150 global brands, retailers and manufacturers, as well as government, non-profit environmental organizations, and academic institutions, which are collectively committed to improving supply chain sustainability in the apparel and footwear industries.
In its relationship with the SAC, Sympatex will contribute both data and resources to support the Higg Index, which gauges environmental sustainability and drives supply chain decision-making to better efficiency and sustainability impact. The Higg Index is an open source, indicator-based tool that allows suppliers, manufacturers, brands and retailers to evaluate materials, products, facilities and processes based on environmental and product design choices.
“The protection of the environment is part of the self-conception of Sympatex. We already consider the effects of our actions regarding the environment before we make any business decisions and activities. That makes us the perfect partner for valuable and similar ecological market cooperations”, said Michael Kamm, CEO Sympatex Technologies.
SAC CEO Jason Kibbey said, “Having Sympatex as part of the Coalition widens the scope of our impact within the apparel industry and accelerates the change we’re making towards responsible industry actions.”
There are currently more than 150 members of the SAC, the majority of which are global brands including adidas, C&A, Gap, H&M and Nike among others.